How to grout tile joints. Smooth and beautiful: grouting tiles in the bathroom with your own hands - how to do the job correctly

When all the work on laying tiles in the bathroom is left behind, you can begin the final stage of finishing - grouting. This work should be given Special attention. High-quality finishing of the gaps between tiles will mask defects in tile laying, provide additional protection and improve appearance coverings.

How and how to grout seams on tiles: choosing a grout

It is recommended to start grouting the joints after seven days after completing the installation of tiles. The glue it was installed on finishing material, should dry well. But it should be borne in mind that there are adhesive compositions that allow the tile gaps to be processed after five days.

Characteristics of tile grout

Two types of mixtures are used to finish joints: cement and epoxy.

Cement grouts

Cement-based mixtures are the most popular. They are easy to use and fairly inexpensive.

Modified polymers are added to cement-based mixtures to make the material resistant to moisture.
On sale there are dry mixtures that must first be diluted with water, and ready-made grouts that do not require additional preparation.
The cement composition applied to the surface of the tile dries within twenty to thirty minutes. After this time, a white coating, which will need to be removed using a damp foam float.
In bathrooms, seams treated with a cement composition are additionally recommended to be covered with a layer of hydrobiphysizer. This will improve operational properties grout.
Gaps between tiles more than three millimeters wide are treated with cement grout with the addition of sand.

When working with cement mixtures, be sure to wear rubber gloves, a respirator and safety glasses. Cement-based compounds can cause irritation and inflammation of the skin, lungs and eyes.

It's a mixture epoxy resin with silicon filler and hardener.

Criterias of choice

For treating intercellular gaps In the bathroom, experts recommend purchasing epoxy grout.

An epoxy resin-based mixture will protect the surface from moisture, bacteria and fungi and will last for a long time.
If a cement composition is chosen, then it is advisable to additionally purchase latex.
The shade of the grout should be chosen depending on the desire and color of the tile.
Seams treated with a white mixture may become covered with a yellow coating after some time. To remove it every two to three months it will be necessary to resort to detergents.
Dark grout material will retain its original color much longer.
If the seams are made darker than the color of the tiles, then the dirt accumulated in the seams will not be so noticeable.

Among specialists, Hercules, Ceresit, and Atlas grouts are in great demand.

Width of grout joints

Distance between tiles selected according to personal preference.

The most optimal width for gaps between tiles - from three to twelve millimeters. For such seams, you can use either the simplest cement paste or epoxy, acrylic or latex mixtures.

Preparation of materials and tools

For work you will need:

grout mixture;
small brush or paint roller;
sealant;
kneading container;
rubber roller or spatula;
goggles, respirator or rubber gloves for working with cement grout;
sponge;
clean cloth;
a screwdriver to clean out any remaining hardened mortar.

Surface preparation

Ceramic tiles should be cleaned of excess glue and dirt.

To make work easier, it is recommended to clean the gaps between the tiles during the installation of the tiles. This is done using a sharpened wooden stick.
Already dried glue residues are removed with a screwdriver or a sharp knife. The work should be carried out carefully so as not to damage the edges of the tiles. The remaining glue is trimmed and removed with a vacuum cleaner.
The old grout is removed from the seams with a soft metal brush.

The gaps are finally cleaned with a damp sponge.

Now that all the materials and tools have been prepared, the surface has been cleaned, you can begin the grouting process.

How to grout tiles correctly

The grout mixture is prepared in accordance with its manufacturer's recommendations. The composition is gradually added to the water and everything is mixed until the solution acquires the state of thick sour cream. The grout is infused for five minutes, mixed and used for its intended purpose. The finished mixture must be distributed within twenty minutes. After this time it will begin to harden.

Grouting technology using a trowel

Work is being carried out rubber spatula or a trowel with porous rubber.

Using a tool, the grout is laid out on the tile in a heap and distributed along the seams.
You need to hold the grater or spatula to the surface at an angle of thirty degrees.
The mixture is applied in diagonal movements.
When distributing the mass, you should try to rub it exactly into the seam, without smearing it on the tile.
After tightly filling the gap between the tiles, you can move on to the next one.
To prevent the freshly prepared solution from being washed out of the seam after filling the gaps, it is recommended to walk over it with a damp foam sponge, finger or cable.
Two hours after applying the grout, wipe the seams with a dry cloth.

The solution should be wiped off the surface every five to ten minutes while it is still wet. To do this, use a damp cloth, which must be wrung out well so that the water does not blur the grout joint.

Using a grout bag

About half an hour after applying the solution, its excess must be removed with a stiff brush.

Removing excess grout mixture

Dry grout removal

After using the first mixed mixture, excess mortar on already treated seams must be removed. It is recommended to do this using a special grater.

The tool should be held at a right angle to the tile.
In relation to the filled gaps, movements during cleaning work should be diagonal. By moving the grater along the seam, you can hit it and accidentally remove part of the mass.

During removal and cleaning, do not forget to stir the newly prepared grout so that it retains its softness and elasticity before applying it to the next areas.

If the grout mixture sets on the surface very quickly, then the work to remove it will be labor-intensive. The hardening time of the solution depends on its composition, type of base, humidity and ambient temperature.

To give the seams the same shape and depth, it is recommended to smooth them wooden stick with a sharpened end.

Final cleaning

Seams are cleaned and smoothed, now you need to finally put the facing surface in order. The tiles are cleaned of traces of mortar with a sponge. This should be done carefully so as not to affect the grout between the tiles. During these works, all remnants of the grout mixture must be completely removed from the surface.

After washing the tiles with a sponge, the remaining plaque is removed with a soft, dry cloth or gauze.

Surface treatment with sealant

After the grout mixture has completely hardened, it is recommended to tile and grout using a small brush and roller. cover with sealant.

It will protect the grout from absorbing excess moisture and prevent stains from appearing on the tiles.
The sealant for treatment is selected based on the type of mixture and ceramic product. The most common are varnish, silicone and acrylic.
It is applied after the solution has completely dried onto a clean surface.
When applying joint sealant, excess sealant will need to be removed from the tiles.

It may be necessary to re-seal your bathroom surfaces after a couple of years.

What to do if the grout is cracking

After a few weeks, the grout mixture may start to crack for several reasons:

Applying the solution to an unleveled surface under the tiles.
A grout intended for a different joint width was used.
The ceramic products absorbed water from the solution.
The technology for diluting the grout composition was not followed.

Options to resolve the problem:

The white mixture in places where cracks appear must be carefully scratched with a knife and a new layer of grout must be applied on top.
The first method is not suitable for colored solutions. This is due to the fact that new color, mixed with the old layer, can give a different shade after drying. Therefore, in places of cracking, the grout is completely removed and a new solution is applied.

If you do not pay attention to the cracks, they will expand over time. Therefore, the situation should be corrected on time.

As you can see from the article and video instructions, there is nothing complicated about grouting tile joints. You can properly rub the seams even without special skills. The main thing is to be patient and do everything carefully.

Tile is undoubtedly the most popular material for finishing walls and floors in the bathroom. And there are many for this objective reasons: it is easy to wash, it is resistant to humidity and direct moisture, it is hygienic and environmentally friendly. To the choice of floor and wall ceramic tiles They always act very responsibly.

However, how your bathtub will ultimately look after renovation and how long the tiles will last depends not only on the quality of the tiles themselves and the skill of the builder who will lay them. The final result largely depends on the quality of related products, such as tile grout. Anyone who has never dealt with laying tiles may not even know about its purpose. In this article we will tell you why tile grout is needed, what types of grout mixtures are available and how to use it.

Purpose of grout

Tile grout is a dry construction mixture that can be either cement or epoxy based. Grout is used to fill the joints between tiles. This is done not only for aesthetic reasons, but also to ensure that moisture does not get into the seams and mold and bacteria do not accumulate.

In addition, correctly selected grout can help hide defects caused by uneven walls or improper tile laying.

What do you need to know before choosing grout?

Before you go to the store to buy grout for joints, you should note that grouts are divided into two main types, depending on the main component of the mixture: cement-based grout and resin-based grout (particularly epoxy resin).

The cement base is more popular among consumers. This is primarily due to its lower cost. In addition, working with cement grout is easier. It is enough just to dilute the dry mixture with water or latex water based to the desired consistency. However, in some cases, grout is sold ready-to-use in plastic buckets.

It should be borne in mind that although it is more convenient to use a ready-made mixture, it is less economical than using a dry mixture. The fact is that the finished mixture dries very quickly and if you do not have time to use the entire bucket soon after opening, the remaining mixture will quickly harden and you will have to throw it away.

Among resin-based grouts, the most common is epoxy resin-based grout. There are other grouts, for example based on furan resin. However, they are rarely used in decoration interior spaces. For example, grouts based on furan resin are used mainly in industrial enterprises in difficult conditions production. Epoxy grouts are used everywhere.

How to choose the right grout composition?

The criteria for choosing cement and epoxy grout are somewhat different.

Cement grouts can be intended for work with narrow seams (up to 5 mm) or with wide seams (more than 5 mm). If you have wide joints to work with, you will need to purchase sanded grout. Moreover, the wider the seam between the tiles, the larger the grains of sand in the mixture should be. In some cement mixtures They also add special chemicals designed to combat the formation of mold and fungi - fungicides.

Majority experienced tilers advises still to give preference to epoxy grout in the bathroom, since they, unlike cement grouts, are not destroyed under the influence of chemicals and more resistant to various kinds pollution. However for floor tiles will fit cement grouts.

If you nevertheless decide to use cement grout, we advise you to purchase a water repellent - a special composition that gives the surface treated with it water-repellent properties.

As we have already noted, among resin-based grouts the most the best option are epoxy resin based grouts. It consists of epoxy resin, hardener and coloring component. There is also a so-called two-component grout, which consists of cement, which is diluted with a latex plasticizer. This grout is much stronger than others and is usually used on building facades.

Color mixtures

The color of the grout is selected based on the color of the tile.

Cement grout can be either a natural gray color or any other color, from white to black, depending on the color pigment used. If the required shade ready mixture you couldn’t find it, you can create it yourself by purchasing white grout and a color scheme for it.

The choice of epoxy grout is much wider, but you cannot paint epoxy-based grout yourself. Thanks to the addition of shiny components, manufacturers were able to achieve the effect of gold, silver, bronze, and metallic. The range is truly impressive.

When choosing a grout color, you must follow two simple rules:

Dark and contrasting grout should only be used if you are sure that the tiles lie perfectly. The fact is that such a contrast of colors emphasizes the pattern of laying the tiles.
If some errors occurred during laying the tiles, it is better to use a light-colored grout. In this case more dark color tiles will visually hide existing unevenness.

Colorless or transparent

If you use a combination of several colors in your bathroom decor or decide to buy mosaic tiles, transparent grout is ideal for you. It is made on a glass basis and is ideal for grouting joints of artistic and glass mosaics. Transparent grout is called very arbitrarily - it does not transmit light and takes on the color of the tile being grouted. However, it is not transparent in itself. This grout is used only on narrow joints up to 2 mm wide.

Leading manufacturers of grout mixtures

The proper service life of the tiles also largely depends on the manufacturing company. It is better to trust trusted manufacturers. Among the most popular grout manufacturers on Russian market It should be noted:

Ceresit (cement-based mixtures, one-component silicone grout, two-component grout)
Atlas (cement and epoxy based mixtures)
Weber Vetonit (cement-based mixtures)
Unis (cement based mixtures)
Litochrome (cement-based and two-component epoxy mixtures)
Knauf (cement-based mixtures).

The high quality of the manufacturer's products does not guarantee you reliable results if you do not carefully follow the instructions.

Porous tiles? There is a solution!

Porous ceramic tiles have high moisture-absorbing properties, so use them in rooms with high humidity Not recommended. To ensure that the tile does not suffer during use, it is coated with a special glaze or varnish to increase water resistance. This varnish is also often used to create decoupage designs on tiles. Although this varnish is expensive, it gives the tiles a number of very useful properties:

Protects against stains, moisture, dirt and dust
makes tile maintenance and cleaning easier
prevents fading process
adds shine to the surface.

Silicone grout is often used to treat seams and joints of ceramic tiles. Treating seams in this way increases the waterproofness of the seams and prevents the formation of mold and mildew. The work is carried out using a special gun with a ready-made composition, which greatly facilitates the process of processing seams.

The final stage in decorating a bathroom with tiles is always sealing the seams. After this operation tile masonry acquires completeness and accuracy.

Grouting tile joints in the bathroom with your own hands is a completely affordable job for anyone, even an inexperienced craftsman. One has only to start and get the hang of it - and the further process will go quickly. It should be noted that much in conducting such finishing works depends on the selected material. So, for those who do not have experience in the work, it is better to choose a grout that dries for a long time. Using a quickly hardening material can ruin the entire appearance of even a well-placed tile.

Criteria for a quality grout composition

Joint filler is designed to protect adhesive composition, on which the tiles are laid, wall and floor surfaces from the penetration of moisture, dirt, mold, as well as for the final aesthetic design of the coating. Therefore, you can’t do without grouting - finishing material with unclosed seams will not stay long on walls and floors, and on the surfaces underneath it will create a favorable environment for the development of mold and mildew, which will sooner or later affect the base.

To make it easy to work with the material, and to make the seams between the tiles neat and reliable, any grout must meet certain requirements. The mixture, prepared from dry compounds or sold ready-made, must have the following qualities:

The uniformity of the composition will greatly facilitate the work - in this case it will completely fill all the seams. It is unacceptable for the mixture to have hard inclusions that tend to create “plugs” in the gaps between the tiles, which will prevent the grout from penetrating the entire depth of the seam and leaving air voids.
The elasticity of the solution will also contribute to high-quality filling of joints, since it will be easily distributed over the recesses and will allow the work to be done quickly.
Strength after curing. The grout should not crumble and be washed out when cleaning.
Hydrophobicity of the material after hardening. The joint filler should repel moisture, not absorb it.
Resistance to household chemical detergents, since any tiled surface requires periodic cleaning.
Aesthetic appearance. The seams between the tiles should be smooth and neat, and the shade of the grout should be in maximum harmony with the

Types of grout based on material of manufacture

Today you can find one- and two-component grouts on sale, produced in the form of dry mixtures, ready-made pastes and solutions. They are manufactured on various basic bases:

Cement.
Polymer-cement.
Cement-sand.
Polyurethane.
Epoxy and furan, produced on the basis of resins.
Silicone.

In addition, there are grouts that can be made by hand from alabaster, gypsum, cement and sand, clay and lime, sodium " liquid glass"and other materials.

However, making the material yourself may not be of the highest quality, and the filler will simply crumble out of the seams under the influence of external factors - humidity and temperature changes. Grouts produced in a factory using all technologies and using special antiseptic additives are undoubtedly more reliable than those made at home.

Therefore it is better to purchase ready materials, especially since they are quite affordable. It is recommended to make grout yourself only in extreme cases.

Cement-based joint fillers

Cement-based grouts remain the most popular and widely used. Most produce them famous companies on production building mixtures.

Cement-based grouts can be divided into two types - those made with or without the addition of sand.

The mixture, which contains sand, is used to seal wide joints, more than 4 millimeters. Narrow gaps are filled with softer, fine-grained grouts made in combination with polymer components. In the instructions for use located on the packaging, the manufacturer always indicates for what width of seams a particular composition is intended.

For the production of mixtures, Portland cement is used, which is finely ground, so that when kneading the mixture turns out to be homogeneous. In addition, to achieve elasticity of the solution, the manufacturer adds lime components to it.

The mixture can be prepared using water room temperature, or latex based. The latter will be called polymer-cement grout.

A correctly mixed mixture will ensure a smooth and even high-quality seam, which will not only reliably close the gaps from moisture, but will also give neatness to the entire masonry.

Cement-based mixtures can be packaged in paper bags or plastic buckets.

Cement grouts can have different colors. Some manufacturers produce compositions already in color, while others have coloring pigments included in the kit and are added only during production.

If desired, metallic “gold” or “silver” powder can be added to the grout - this will make the appearance of the finish richer and give it a specific elegance.

Silicone joint fillers

Silicone joint filler is a one-component composition, packaged in special plastic cartridges (tubes) and applied to the joints using a construction gun. Similar type The grout consists of silicone with an acid hardener. The material is essentially a sealant. It completely covers the seams, is moisture resistant and elastic, and has antiseptic qualities.

Silicone sealant is an excellent joint filler in particularly difficult areas

This joint filler is most often used in combination with other grouting compounds. Basically, they seal gaps only in problem areas, for example, at the joints of planes or in the area where the bathtub adjoins the tile, since it has a fairly high price and requires a lot of consumption. However, if possible, it can be applied to all seams, and having any width. Its only disadvantage is that it is produced silicone sealant in a small variety of shades - white or transparent compositions mainly predominate.

It is easy to fill seams with silicone sealant, the main thing is to do correct cut on the cap attached to the cartridge - it should correspond to the width of the seam, and press evenly on the handle of the construction gun. Then the filler will flow into the seams in an even strip.

Resin based grouts

Epoxy joint filler

Epoxy grouts consist of two components - an epoxy composition and a hardener. The mass of the solution is mixed immediately before application.

This type of grout is different high strength and resistance to external mechanical influences, as well as high humidity And significant differences temperatures

Epoxy joint filler has a very long service life. This grout does not lose its original appearance for 45–50 years.

After combining the two components of the grout, it acquires a viscous consistency and is quite difficult to work with. Therefore, if you have no experience in filling seams, but have decided to use this particular type of material, then it is better to entrust the work to a professional craftsman.

Epoxy grout is recommended for use in cases where there are wide joints between the tiles, over 6 mm. It fills cavities well and, when cured, acquires a high density, close to the density of the tile itself.

In order for the cladding of walls and floors where epoxy filler was used to have an aesthetic appearance, you need to choose high-quality ceramic tiles with perfectly smooth edges and corners, otherwise the grout will not hide, but, on the contrary, will emphasize the flaws of the finishing material.

There is an epoxy filler option that includes composition of Portland cement, which acts as a fixative. Working with this material is identical to mixing and applying cement grout, but as it hardens it takes on the characteristics of traditional epoxy aggregate.

If desired, one of the types of metal powder can be added to the epoxy mixture, mixed traditionally or using Portland cement. In this case, the tile frame will turn out to be very original, and it will look especially advantageous if the seams are wide, about 6÷8 mm.

The price for this type of grout is quite high, so it is rarely used at home. Basically, it is used for covering surfaces in industrial workshops and laboratory premises, where its strength, durability, and resistance to aggressive environments are especially necessary.

Furan resin filler

This type of grout is made on the basis furanol with the addition of fupphilic alcohol. The resulting material, when cured, acquires the most high quality resistance to any influences, either chemical detergents, acids, ultra-violet rays, moisture and temperature. The composition of this material, just like the epoxy mixture, does not contain water, so it completely lacks the ability to absorb it.

When choosing this filler, you need to know that working with it is quite difficult, since it requires a special approach to preparing the joint surfaces.

The disadvantages of this material include its high price and lack of color variety, since it has only one color - black.

This grout is rarely used to refine tiles at home, although it should be noted that black color can be combined with any shade of the color scheme. If the tile is of high quality and has no flaws at the edges, then framing it in black will give the finish rigor and clarity.

Polyurethane grout

The most convenient type of joint filler to use is a ready-made elastic composition made on the basis of polyurethane resins and aqueous dispersion, without the use of cement. The solution does not require preparation, as it is sold in the form of a ready-made homogeneous paste.

It is suitable for grouting joints with a width of 1 ÷ 6 mm between ceramic tiles and glass mosaics.

The grout composition is well distributed in the gaps, filling them completely. After final hardening and polymerization, it is well cleaned from dirt and has high water-repellent characteristics.

This type of joint filler has a rich color scheme pastel shades, which allows you to match it to any tile.

Grout on polyurethane based suitable for sealing joints between tiles on horizontal and vertical surfaces of the bathroom, as well as for other rooms, including those with heated floors.

Prices for grout for tile joints

Grout for tile joints

Making your own grout for joints

Just in case, it would be nice to know several recipes for preparing joint filler at home, since there are different situations from which you urgently need to find a way out. Knowing the composition and manufacturing technology, it’s not at all difficult.

Cement-sand mixture

The most accessible and simplest recipe for making aggregate is to use cement and fine sand for it. They are taken in proportions 1:1 or 1:2. The two ingredients are mixed dry and then mixed in small portions water is added. The composition is thoroughly mixed and brought to a homogeneous state - it should have the consistency of thick sour cream.

To prepare cement-sand grout, you can use both gray and white cement, and to give the composition a certain shade, coloring pigments are added to it - they can be purchased in dry or dissolved form.

In addition, you can add metal powder to the solution, which will make it indistinguishable from what you bought at a hardware store.

To enhance the elasticity of the mixture, latex additives are sometimes added to it. Thus, you will get a classic grout that will be identical to that produced in a factory.

Gypsum grout

Grout mastic can also be prepared from gypsum, using slaked lime as a plasticizer additive. This ingredient is necessary because without it the hardened plaster will be very fragile.

In addition, lime will extend the hardening time of the gypsum grout. Everyone knows that gypsum quickly sets and hardens, so you should not make a large number of material - it is best to do this in small portions. After using up each portion of grout, before preparing the next one, the container and spatula should be thoroughly cleaned each time, since small and large frozen particles of gypsum will interfere with work.

Gypsum is a fragile material and is not flexible enough, so it can crumble under mechanical stress. In addition, it is capable of absorbing moisture, so it is better not to use such grout in the bathroom.

Alabaster grout

Today, alabaster is not as popular as it was before, but it continues to be used in construction. This material is a type of gypsum, or more precisely, it is burnt his option.

It has always been used to seal joints between slabs, cracks and depressions in plaster, so previously a supply of it could be found in every home. Alabaster faded into the background after appearing in specialized stores of various building mixtures, which They have a narrowly focused purpose and cope well with a variety of problems.

If necessary, it is quite possible to prepare mastic from this material for sealing seams. The process of its preparation is simple and consists of adding water to dry alabaster in small portions. You should not mix a large amount of the mixture, as it, like gypsum, quickly loses its elasticity and hardens.

Alabaster grout is also not very durable - it will not last more than 3-5 years. But it can be used temporarily if there is a need to close the seams, but there is no opportunity to purchase ready-made material.

Clay grout

There is no need to write off materials such as clay. It is not without reason that it has always been used for waterproofing work, since it has good hydrophobic properties. Preparing joint filler from this material will create a little more hassle than when mixing it from cement and sand or gypsum. Clay requires cleaning and wiping, because it may contain various solid inclusions, from which it must be freed. Then, it is soaked, as it must acquire plasticity.

Lime is added to the finished, well-mixed clay mass to enhance plasticity and cement to speed up the hardening of the grout. Very little lime and cement are poured. The proportions of the solution are approximately 10:1:1 - the main role in it is still given to clay.

For production, you can use material of any color; if desired, color and metal powder are added to it.

Clay will reliably protect the seams from moisture, it is not afraid of temperature changes, and if necessary, it will not be difficult to clean the seams from it in order to replace it with a more professional grout mixture.

How much grouting material is required?

So for high-quality finishing it is best to use special compounds industrial production. But how many of them need to be purchased?

Typically, on the packaging of the grout, the manufacturer indicates average consumption material per square meter of tiled surface. However, these data are very approximate, since they do not take into account the size of the tiles and the specific thickness of the joints.

Probably everyone understands what smaller tiles in size, the more it fits per unit area and, therefore, the more extended total length seams. And the required amount of grout for tiles various types may vary significantly.

The general formula can be expressed as follows:

Ry = (L + M) / (L × M) × h × d × k

In the formula alphabetic characters marked:

Ry– specific consumption of grout per square meter of area;

L And M– respectively, the length and width of the ceramic tiles selected for laying (mm);

h– tile thickness (mm);

d– planned width of the gap between the tiles – joint thickness (mm);

k– coefficient taking into account the density of the mortar mixture of the material. It would not be a big mistake to assume its value is approximately 1.7 ÷ 1.8 - most grout mixtures have exactly the same density (in kg/dm³).

The resulting value can only be multiplied by the area of the surface covered with tiles and, to be on the safe side, add another 10% of the reserve:

Rsum= 1.1 ×Ry × S

S– area of the surface to be tiled.

Rsum– the total amount of grout that needs to be purchased (in kilograms).

To make the task easier for the reader, a calculator is provided below calculation, which contains all the mentioned ratios, including the 10% reserve.

Modern bathrooms are most often finished using ceramic tiles, which are the most functional and versatile. Plays an important role correct styling material, including such a stage of this process as grouting tiles in the bathroom. It’s easy to do it yourself, but first let’s look at what the features of this procedure are.

Which mixture should you choose?

Processing of tile joints in the bathroom is carried out using a special mixture, which differs good level moisture resistance, when dried it shrinks slightly and at the same time has high strength. If the grout is chosen correctly, the seams will be sealed efficiently, and the wall covering It turns out not only reliable in operation, but also convenient for cleaning. Let's consider what better grout for bathroom tile joints.

Cement: simple and cheap

The simplest grout is based on Portland cement, but a number of components are also added to its composition. Their task is to make the mass more stable and fluid, while slowing down the setting. Cement grout is suitable for processing joints whose width is not more than 5 mm; for wider joints it is advisable to use a cement-sand grout mixture. In most cases, grouting tile joints in the bathroom with your own hands is done using a cement composition. Even an inexperienced finisher will complete the work competently.

Modern cement grouts are available in the form of ready-made compounds or dry powder. Ready-made formulations You need to use it immediately after purchase, but if there is any material left, you will have to throw it away. In this regard, it is more profitable to use dry powder, since you can calculate a certain amount of material, which is diluted. Cement grouts are in demand due to their convenience and ease of use, versatility, and wide range of colors. But users note that they are not resistant to pollution and are destroyed under the influence household chemicals.

Popular brands: Ceresit

Modern types of grout are distinguished by a wide variety of colors, which makes it possible to realize a wide variety of design solutions. Ceresit bathroom tile grout is widely popular among buyers. The composition of Ceresit CE 33 Super is suitable for processing narrow seams up to 5 mm wide. A distinctive feature of the material is its antifungal effect. The advantages of this composition include:

26 available colors;
surface smoothness;
water and frost resistance;
possibility of use in external and internal finishing works;
environmental safety.

Grout for tile joints in the bathroom "Ceresit" is used for processing joints during ceramic, stone cladding, as well as when sealing joints on uneven surfaces inside and outside buildings.

Fuga De-Lux

Grouting solutions of this brand are produced in the form of a dry mixture to which mineral binders, fillers, and modifying additives are added. It is advisable to use this composition when grouting joints in the bathroom on the floor and walls that are lined with ceramic or concrete tiles, natural or artificial stone. The width of the seams that can be processed with this material is from 2 to 20 mm. Its special feature is the ability to use it on heated floors.

Epoxy grout: modern and new

Epoxy grout for joints includes a hardener and pigments that give the material a certain color. This mass is good because it makes the seams dense, resistant to moisture and various chemicals, in particular household chemicals. A distinctive feature of such compositions is their increased viscosity, which complicates the application process. In general, working with this material is not so easy, so most often they turn to professionals.

Epoxy grout for bathroom tile joints is moisture resistant and most often consists of two components - a pigmented resin and a hardener. They mix and the polymerization process begins. It turns out that the seam is filled with a polymer that does not contain cement, which means it provides high protection against moisture. Recently similar materials were used only for industrial purposes and were available in white and gray colors. And today, colored epoxy grouts that attract attention are relevant for finishing work:

possibility of use as an adhesive;
good resistance to mechanical stress;
water and vapor tightness;
resistance to pollution;
chemical inertness.

How to work with epoxy grouts?

Epoxy grout for bathroom tile joints requires a special approach in terms of installation. Consistency of this material thick, but the optimal state can be achieved by adding a hardener and thoroughly mixing. After mixing, it is advisable to transfer the mixture to a clean container. This will make the seam quality. Epoxy grout begins to polymerize immediately after mixing, so you should not wait for it to set, as with cement-based compounds. Once the seams are filled, you can wash off any residue from the surface.

Popular brands: Kerapoxy Design

Kerapoxy Design is a quality bathroom tile grout consisting of two components and available in eight colours. This composition can be used both indoors and outdoors, but most often it is used when processing seams. Distinctive features of the composition are high resistance to acids, ease of use and durability. Using the special Mapeglitter additive, you can give the aggregate a metallic shine.

If the material is used correctly, the surface of the seams will be bright and translucent, they will be resistant to chemicals and water, and the seams themselves will be protected from cracking. The material does not require the addition of water. The surface itself must be carefully prepared. Cleaning of aggregate should be done before the solution hardens.

LITOKOL

Epoxy grouts of this brand fill the space between the tiles, and will perform two functions - protective and decorative. This moisture-resistant grout for bathroom tile joints consists of a hardener and color pigment. The resulting polymer seam is resistant to moisture, resistant to aggressive chemical compounds, besides, no pollution will form in the pores. After hardening, the seams are of high quality and environmentally safe for human health.

Two-component ones can be used for cladding horizontal and vertical surfaces, and it does not matter what material is used - ceramic or glass mosaic, marble, ceramic or porcelain tiles, natural stone. Thanks to the presence of epoxy resin in the composition, the material can be used for finishing not only internal and external surfaces, but also interior elements - kitchen countertops or furniture facades.

Thanks to this brand, the grouting of tiles in the bathroom is high-quality and reliable. The colors of this composition are presented in a huge variety, and it is possible to choose grout with optical effects, for example with sparkles or a transparent structure. Users note that the filler will retain its color throughout the entire period of operation.

STARLIKE

Epoxy grouts of this brand allow you to fill the seams when using glass or artistic mosaics, and the seams should be up to 2 mm. TO distinctive features this composition may include:

smooth surface of the seam, since the filler is fine;
good light transmittance;
no cracks after the seam dries;
ease of use;
increased resistance to various influences;
excellent adhesion to any surfaces;
Possibility of use when finishing surfaces that are subject to increased hygiene and sanitation requirements.

This composition can be used as a grout for ceramic tiles in the bathroom on the floor and walls. In addition, the composition is used to create exclusive visual effects and such original elements interior, like columns or countertops in the kitchen. Users note that the main advantage of choosing this brand of grout is more than 100 colors with various effects, which allows you to make the interior even more original.

Advantages of water-repellent compounds

Grouts with a water-repellent effect are practical and versatile, and they are also easy to work with. Resistance to stains, preservation of the original appearance throughout the entire service life, excellent water-repellent effect even with prolonged contact with water - all this distinguishes such compositions. When choosing, it is worth remembering that the quality of the grout depends on what components are used to create it. Experts advise that when using cement grout, be sure to cover the surface of the joint with a moisture-resistant impregnation in order to improve the protective properties. It comes with a matte or glossy surface, so the seam between tiles and grout can be designed very beautifully.

If you are for economy, then choose cement compositions. True, it is important that the dry mixture, for example, is of high quality, and this depends on what kind of plasticizer is contained in its composition. If costs are not an issue, choose epoxy grout, although you will have to invite specialists to work with it. But you will provide reliable protection from moisture in the bathroom, and the walls and floor will shine and delight you with their appearance.

One of important stages Laying tiles involves grouting the joints between tiles. And if in rooms with an ideal operating environment the quality of the putty can only affect the external (aesthetic) characteristics, then in others poor-quality work can lead to destruction building structures, the formation of fungus, dampness, etc.

Please pay attention! State standards(GOSTs, SNiPs, SN) do not exist in any way regulating these works. When carrying out work, specific parameters should be discussed in the contract.

Here you will find information about grouting tiles indoors. Although in most cases there is not much difference, and the gaps between the facade tiles are processed in a similar way, there are some peculiarities. Therefore, when performing work with facade materials The recommendations given should be used with reservations. Basically, there are additional more harsh conditions: moisture resistance, wear resistance, vapor permeability, etc.

Any grouting can be represented in several stages (some procedures may not be performed):

Preparation (including selection of materials and tools).
Applying grout to tiles.
Treatment after grouting (in some cases mandatory).
Final procedures (if all points are carefully followed, they may not be relevant).

Processing technology different types (tile, natural stone, porcelain tiles, etc.) and different types(floor or wall tiles) are the same with minor differences in the materials used and application methods.

Preparation

Grouting seams should begin with preparatory stages. The most important - right choice grout. Color solutions and we leave various design additives (glitter, light reflection, etc.) outside the brackets; here we are interested in the technical part of the issue. Advice! When tinting, prepare the solution for the entire volume at once, since subsequently it will be difficult to select a color scheme.

Choice of grout

They are sold in finished form (paste mixture), dry or multicomponent (usually two-component). You can also choose the required color or matte ones intended for tinting. The main criterion when choosing a grout should be performance characteristics:

temperature;
humidity;
mechanical load (plays a special role when grouting floor tiles);
mechanical stress (abrasion resistance);
chemical aggressiveness of the environment (pool lining, for example, where there is a lot of chemical reagents: chlorine, antibacterial chemistry, etc.);
color preservation (when exposed to ultraviolet rays);
seam width.

Grouts are divided into the following types:

Cement based grouts.

Advice! You should also pay attention to the microclimatic conditions under which the work will be performed. At high temperature Cement grouts will dry faster, epoxy and polyurethane grouts will dry slower, and vice versa at low temperatures. Greater dry air will shorten the pot life of cement grouts.

Conditions are close to ideal: 18 – 22ºС with normal humidity (30 – 60%).

Calculation of material consumption

Flow (kg/m²) = (A + B) x H x D x Coefficient/(A x B)

A, B – tile proportions (width, length) in mm;

H – tile (seam) thickness in mm;

D – average seam width in mm;

Coef. – grout density coefficient (1.5 – 1.8).

For convenience, you can use our calculator; it calculates using the same formula. Be sure to buy grout 10-15% more than the calculated value.